"It's a shame you have to go to the train with us. You can come
right back, however, and sleep as late as you want. The cab will be
here at three-thirty. Take a nap until then, and don't look so
worried. I'm not committing a crime. I'm helping to keep some one
else from committing one. Good night." I kissed the dear soul and,
leaving her, hurried up-stairs.

Madeleine was lying down when I came back in the room, and, wanting
much to talk, she began to do so, but unfeelingly I made her stop.
Getting out the oldest and shabbiest dress I possessed, with a hat to
correspond, I took off my party dress and slipped into a warm and
worn wrapper. After putting a few things in a bag, without further
undressing, I stretched out on the couch near the foot of the bed and
in the dark called to Madeleine.

"You won't be a beautiful bride if you don't get some sleep. Shut
your eyes." Mine were shut. I wasn't going to be married. I was
only a very tired maiden-lady about to do something she had no
business doing, and shamelessly I went to sleep and left Madeleine
awake.

Seemingly I had slept but a few minutes when, opening my eyes, I saw
Madeleine standing, fully dressed, by the side of my couch, and
looking down at me. "It's ten minutes past three," she said. "I
hate to wake you, but--"

Springing up, I threw off my wrapper and reached down for my shoes.
"If you'd waked me before you put on your dress you wouldn't have to
take it off. You're going to wear that dress." I pointed to the one
on the chair behind her. "I'm sorry your wedding garments can't be